Yıldız Technical University continues to advance knowledge and innovation across diverse fields through pioneering research initiatives. Reflecting this ongoing commitment, a research team led by Prof. Dr. Mevlüde Canlıca of the Department of Chemistry has synthesized a novel active pharmaceutical compound capable of eliminating cervical cancer cells under laboratory conditions. The compound, which has been granted international patent protection, was developed with the aim of reducing the severe side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy; preparations for animal trials are now underway.

The research team synthesized a new active compound designed to directly target cancerous cells. The study’s ultimate objective is to advance this compound through clinical development stages in order to minimize adverse effects frequently associated with cancer therapeutics, such as nausea, vomiting, and cardiac fatigue, thereby enabling patients to resume daily life with greater comfort following treatment sessions.

Patents & Technology Transfer

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sinan Yardım and Lecturer Dr. Betül Değer Şitilbay of the Department of Civil Engineering at Yıldız Technical University have developed a novel asphalt material demonstrating resistance to low-temperature cracking at temperatures approximately 10 degrees below those tolerated by conventional formulations. The patented invention is anticipated to contribute to an extended service life for road infrastructure, thereby reducing long-term maintenance and repair expenditures.

Within the scope of the project, bitumen – the principal binding constituent of asphalt – was reinforced through incorporation of a specially formulated polyester resin. The molecular architecture of the resulting composite material was subsequently characterized by means of nanoscale analytical techniques. Formulated in accordance with environmentally sustainable production standards and exhibiting enhanced mechanical durability, the material has been granted patent protection by both the Turkish Patent Office and the United States Patent and Trademark Office, with registration facilitated through YTU Yıldız Technopark.

International Events & Conferences

Yıldız Technical University will host the 2026 UI GreenMetric Türkiye Workshop on 10–11 December 2026, reaffirming the university’s longstanding institutional commitment to environmental sustainability. The event will bring together researchers, administrators, and policymakers to engage in a structured dialogue on the role of higher education institutions in advancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Organized within the framework of YTU’s broader sustainability agenda, the workshop aims to provide a platform for the exchange of research findings, institutional practices, and policy perspectives across a range of thematic areas central to the global sustainability discourse, ranging from climate action and the global energy transition to circular economy practices, water security, sustainable mobility, resilient urban development, digital transformation in sustainability governance, and the broader societal and educational dimensions of sustainability transformation.

Through these sessions, the workshop seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among participating institutions and to contribute to the development of evidence-based approaches for integrating sustainability principles into higher education governance, campus operations, and academic research agendas.

Yıldız Technical University continues to contribute to high-impact research initiatives that address sectoral challenges through digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable innovation. Two ongoing projects highlight this interdisciplinary approach: one focusing on AI-driven forecasting for Türkiye’s dairy industry, and the other advancing safer digital transformation in the maritime sector. The project titled “Simulation of Business Profitability Based on Raw Milk Supply and Price Forecasting in Türkiye” brings together Ak Gıda Industry and Trade Inc. as the project coordinator, Medyasoft Consulting and Training Inc. as the technology provider, and Yıldız Technical University as the academic advisor. Raw milk production exhibits high seasonal volatility and unpredictability influenced by multiple dynamic variables (e.g., livestock count, feed prices, weather conditions). Traditional manual forecasting methods fail to account for these multi-variable complexities, presenting major risks. Unpredicted supply spikes or drops disrupt manufacturing schedules, making efficient resource and supply chain management difficult. Imbalances in raw material volume impair production planning and commercial execution for dairy-derived goods, restricting market growth and target profitability. A lack of alignment between raw milk availability and end-product demand results in stockouts or waste, lowering market availability and reducing overall competitiveness. To overcome these difficulties, our project aims to develop a forecasting model that combines traditional statistical techniques with machine learning and deep learning to accurately forecast seasonal raw milk supply and product demand, mitigating operational risks and optimizing resource allocation for the dairy industry. The proposed solution delivers an integrated software platform that applies advanced data science to bridge the information gap between agricultural supply and market demand.

While this project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can strengthen decision-making and operational efficiency in agriculture and food production, Yıldız Technical University’s research collaborations also extend to other strategic sectors where digital transformation plays a critical role. As a partner in the SADIT-MAR (Safe Digital Transformation in the Maritime Industry) initiative, supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Yıldız Technical University contributes to advancing a safer, more resilient, and inclusive digital transformation in the maritime sector.

Through interdisciplinary research, international conferences, workshops, and training programmes, the network will address key challenges related to maritime safety, cyber resilience, autonomous systems, and digital risk management. Running from September 2025 to August 2027, the project aims to strengthen global collaboration and develop knowledge frameworks to support a safer, more resilient digital maritime ecosystem.

Following SADIT-MAR's efforts to strengthen digital safety in the maritime sector, the spotlight now turns to another innovative initiative that brings together agriculture and energy: PV4Plants. PV4Plants (AgriPV system with climate, water, and light spectrum control for safe, healthier, and improved crops production) is an ambitious Horizon Europe initiative focused on agrivoltaics, the simultaneous use of land for renewable energy generation and high-quality agricultural production. With contributions from Yildiz Technical University, the project develops and demonstrates adaptable photovoltaic systems that optimize light transmission and crop-growing conditions while generating clean energy.

Patents & Technology Transfer

Strengthening its position as one of Turkey’s leading institutions in research, innovation, and technology development, Yıldız Technical University has achieved remarkable success in the PatentEffect Report 2025. According to the report’s 2025 data, YTU ranked first among state universities in 10 out of 20 different technology fields, significantly increasing its number of leading positions from 2 in 2023 and 5 in 2024 to 10 in 2025. The university also maintained its leadership in international patent applications and ranked first in European patent applications among Turkish universities.

YTU achieved notable success in several strategic fields, including Advanced Materials, Battery Technologies, Green Technologies, Additive Manufacturing, and Manufacturing and Construction. In Advanced Materials, the university ranked first with 107 patent applications, ahead of Atatürk University with 78 and Ege University with 77 applications. In Green Technologies, YTU led the field with 88 patent applications, reflecting its contribution to eco-friendly innovation. The university also ranked first in Manufacturing and Construction with 47 applications, followed by Karadeniz Technical University and Istanbul Technical University.

YTU’s patent performance also extended to the international arena. In the PCT general ranking, which covers international patent applications, the university ranked first among state universities with 155 applications. According to European Patent application data, YTU also ranked first among Turkish universities with 15 applications.

International Events & Conferences

Yıldız Technical University's role as a hub for international academic exchange continues to grow, with two major conferences scheduled to take place on campus in the coming months. From architecture science to maritime engineering, these events reflect the university's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and connecting researchers, industry professionals, and academics from around the world. YTU will host the international conference Research Trends in Architecture Science 2026, organized in collaboration with Istanbul Medipol University, Yıldız Technical University, and Istanbul Technical University. The conference will take place on 26–28 November 2026 at YTU’s Beşiktaş Campus in Istanbul, Türkiye, and will be held in English in both face-to-face and online formats.

Organized for the first time this year, Research Trends in Architecture Science 2026 aims to bring together researchers, academics, industry representatives, and professionals from various disciplines, including architecture, interior architecture, urban design, and engineering. The conference provides an interdisciplinary platform to discuss current academic and industrial developments in architecture science. This year’s main theme is “Building Skin.” The conference will address a wide range of topics, including the performance of building skin, traditional and innovative materials, cultural heritage, sustainability and circularity, smart and adaptive approaches, building skin damages and design problems, digital tools and new technologies, project delivery and collaborative processes, codes and regulations, as well as case studies and best practices. Submissions beyond the specified themes will also be considered. In addition to academic presentations, the conference will offer opportunities for scholarly discussion, knowledge exchange, and sectoral collaboration.

Alongside this focus on the built environment, attention shifts to the maritime domain, where YTU will welcome experts from across the globe to explore the latest advances in ship and offshore engineering. The 11^th International Conference on Ships and Offshore Structures (ICSOS 2026) will be hosted by Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 4–7 October 2026. The conference will bring together researchers and industry experts working on ships, offshore structures, and maritime technologies.

ICSOS 2026 will provide an international platform to discuss advances in ship design, offshore engineering, marine hydrodynamics, renewable energy technologies, and digital maritime systems, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, and autonomous vessels. Selected high-quality papers will be promoted to special issues of the Journal of Ships and Offshore Structures (Taylor & Francis) and the Seatific Journal, offering participants a fast-track publication opportunity.

Yildiz Technical University continues to strengthen its international research and innovation ecosystem through interdisciplinary collaborations, sustainability-oriented initiatives, and European-funded projects in emerging technology and circular economy fields. By actively participating in strategic international partnerships such as TECHSIGHT and ECO-SPHERE, the university contributes to the development of innovative solutions addressing global challenges related to deep technologies, digital transformation, sustainability, and circular economy.

TECHSIGHT is an international initiative coordinated by YTU in collaboration with four European higher education institutions and supported by the Horizon Europe programme and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) under the EIT HEI Initiative. The project focuses on strengthening the innovation capacity of universities in deep technology fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and green technologies by integrating strategic foresight and horizon scanning methodologies into education, research, and entrepreneurship activities.

At the core of TECHSIGHT is an Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship Methodology that enables universities to identify emerging technological trends and adapt their curricula and innovation strategies accordingly. Through its three interconnected platforms — EduSPHERE, CollabSPHERE, and ImpactSPHERE — the project creates sustainable ecosystems that connect students, academics, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. These platforms support capacity building, foster deep-tech innovation regions, and ensure the long-term dissemination and sustainability of project outcomes.

Over its 25-month implementation period, TECHSIGHT aims to train more than 1,250 students and 340 staff members, establish six deep technology innovation regions across Europe, support technology-oriented start-ups, and develop more than 20 new curricula incorporating foresight methodologies. The project also seeks to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry through new partnerships and joint innovation activities.

Aligned with the priorities of EIT Digital, EIT Manufacturing, and EIT Climate-KIC, TECHSIGHT contributes to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven deep technology ecosystem in Europe.

Building on YTU’s commitment to sustainability and international research excellence, the ECO-SPHERE programme further expands the university’s contribution to addressing global environmental and societal challenges through circular economy research and interdisciplinary innovation. ECO-SPHERE – Circular Economy for the Sustainable Earth Spheres: Geosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere & Atmosphere is a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programme dedicated to advancing circular economy and sustainable product design. Coordinated in part by Yildiz Technical University, it offers 24 postdoctoral fellowships of 24 months across key sustainability research areas, including eco-design, energy, water and wastewater management, material recovery, climate policy, business models, and waste management.

ECO-SPHERE aims to strengthen Europe’s expert capacity in circular economy research while supporting the European Green Deal, the UN SDGs, and the Paris Agreement. The programme targets resource- and energy-intensive sectors such as electronics, automotive, plastics, construction, food, water, and energy. With a human-centric perspective, it promotes solutions that integrate People, Planet, and Profit, empowering consumers and cities to benefit from circular transformation.

Patents & Technology Transfer

From sustainable energy systems to next-generation biomedical applications, Yildiz Technical University continues to transform scientific knowledge into innovative technologies with real-world impact. Through its growing patent portfolio and technology transfer activities, the university supports the commercialization of research outcomes while contributing to environmentally responsible and human-centered technological development. Every year, millions of lithium-ion batteries reach the end of their useful life, leaving behind a chemically complex and environmentally hazardous material known as black mass — the dark, metal-rich powder obtained after mechanical disassembly of spent cells. Rather than treating black mass as a liability, researchers Burak Birol, Metin Gençten, and Sezgin Yaşa at YTU have developed a patented hydrometallurgical process that transforms it into high-value industrial materials.

The granted patent (TR 2023/001826) recovers cobalt from spent LiCoO₂ cathodes through a carefully controlled leaching process using sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide solutions. By precisely tuning temperature, pH, and reagent ratios, cobalt is selectively dissolved and subsequently precipitated as cobalt sulfide — a chemically stable compound with broad applications in energy storage electrodes, nanotechnology, optical systems, sensors, and solar panels. Crucially, this approach recycles a material that poses serious risks to human health and the environment when improperly disposed of, turning industrial waste into a strategic resource.

Building on this foundation, the research group is currently pursuing a patent application for an advanced process targeting NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) batteries — the dominant chemistry in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage. This ongoing work aims to recover nickel, manganese, cobalt, and lithium from black mass and resynthesize them directly into new NMC cathode material, as demonstrated by coin cells and pouch cells already assembled from recycled materials at laboratory scale.

Taken together, these efforts place YTU at the forefront of battery circular economy research, turning end-of-life cells back into the building blocks of tomorrow’s energy systems.

Alongside its sustainability-focused innovations, YTU is also pioneering cutting-edge healthcare technologies that integrate advanced manufacturing, biomaterials, and personalized treatment approaches. By combining engineering expertise with biomedical research, the university continues to develop innovative solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes and minimally invasive healthcare practices. The patented invention titled “Production of Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery by Dynamic Light Processing” developed under the direction of Prof. Dr. Cem Bülent Üstündağ at YTU, introduces a high-precision, mold-free DLP 3D printing platform for biodegradable hydrogel microneedle patches. Originating from the TymPatch project, the technology enables personalized GelMA/KerMA-based patches designed for the non-surgical treatment of acute and chronic eardrum perforations.

Loaded with therapeutic agents via electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA), the biofunctional and biodegradable patch integrates seamlessly with the tympanic membrane, eliminating the need for a secondary surgical intervention. This minimally invasive and scalable innovation represents a significant step forward in personalized medicine and targeted drug delivery.

International Events & Conferences

Strengthening its global academic presence, Yildiz Technical University continues to contribute to international scientific dialogue through conferences that bring together researchers, educators, and professionals from diverse disciplines. The following events reflect YTU’s growing role in interdisciplinary research, innovation, and higher education transformation.

The 16^th Constructal Law Conference (CLC2026 will take place 12–15 October 2026 at the Paris-Malaquais School of Architecture – PSL University in Paris, France, in collaboration with Yildiz Technical University. The conference marks the 30th anniversary of Constructal Law, the scientific principle that explains how natural and human-made flow systems evolve to facilitate easier access to flows of energy, materials, and information.

Under the theme “Design in Nature: The Evolution of Designs”, the conference will bring together researchers and practitioners from diverse fields—including engineering, biology, architecture, urban planning, economics, and the arts—to explore the evolution of natural and designed systems. The event will highlight interdisciplinary perspectives on flow structures in nature, sustainable design, urban systems, energy and economic networks, and the relationship between science, technology, and culture. Extended abstract submissions are open until June 5, 2026.

While CLC2026 highlights interdisciplinary perspectives on natural systems, design, and scientific innovation, YTU also contributes to international discussions on the future of higher education through the 2026 YÖKAK International Conference on Quality Assurance and Accreditation. Hosted by Yildiz Technical University and organized by the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK), the 2026 YÖKAK International Conference on Quality Assurance and Accreditation will bring together academics, quality assurance experts, policymakers, and higher education stakeholders from around the world on 14–15 September 2026 in Istanbul.

Held under the theme “Quality Assurance Systems and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Transformation Era,” the conference will explore the evolving role of quality assurance in higher education through the lens of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and data-driven governance. Key topics include AI-supported quality policies, digital quality assurance platforms, learning analytics, performance monitoring systems, international accreditation processes, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning.

The conference aims to strengthen quality culture in higher education, promote the exchange of innovative practices, and foster international collaboration among institutions and experts. It will also provide a platform for discussing emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of higher education quality assurance.

With distinguished international speakers and participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, the event is expected to serve as a significant forum for knowledge sharing and global engagement in quality assurance and accreditation.

This edition's featured projects reflect the remarkable breadth of Yildiz Technical University's research engagement — bringing together work that spans environmental education, smart infrastructure, and everything in between. Both projects are internationally funded, underscoring the university's growing presence in the global research landscape: one empowers the next generation to become advocates for water and ocean health across Europe; another reimagines the buildings we inhabit every day, making them more responsive to the people within them. Together, they illustrate a shared commitment to research that is not only scientifically rigorous but meaningfully connected to the challenges of the world we live in.

The SHORE project is an international initiative supported by Horizon Europe that aims to empower students as active agents of change in the field of water and ocean literacy. To date, more than 100 schools across Europe have participated in the project, and over 300 student-centered activities and implementations have been carried out. Through these activities, more than 6,000 students and teachers have been reached directly, while the indirect impact has extended to a much wider audience.

During the project, numerous local environmental projects developed by students have been shared on the SHORE digital platform and disseminated as examples of good practices. In addition, through international events, training sessions, and dissemination activities, a strong collaboration network has been established among stakeholders from different countries.

SHORE has not only raised awareness but also presented a model that encourages young people to develop concrete solutions to environmental challenges, producing measurable outputs and creating a sustainable impact.

While SHORE focuses on empowering individuals through education and community-driven environmental action, the SUSTAIN (Smart Building Sensitive to Daily Sentiment) project shifts the perspective toward technological innovation — exploring how intelligent systems can enhance everyday living environments by responding to human needs. SUSTAIN is funded under the EIC Pathfinder programme — a European Innovation Council initiative designed to support high-risk, potentially transformative early-stage research. EIC Pathfinder projects are notably rare in Türkiye, making SUSTAIN a particularly valuable achievement.

The project’s central proposition challenges a foundational assumption of building automation: that physical sensor data alone is sufficient to optimise indoor environments. SUSTAIN proposes an additional layer of intelligence — one that incorporates anonymised behavioural and sentiment signals drawn from occupant interaction patterns, movement data, and aggregated feedback. Lighting, thermal comfort, ventilation, and shared space management are adjusted not only in response to environmental measurements, but in alignment with the broader wellbeing and satisfaction tendencies of building users.

This approach reframes resilience in critical infrastructure: rather than buildings that are merely robust, SUSTAIN envisions spaces that are adaptive and human-aware — optimising both comfort and efficiency in everyday use as well as during crises.

Rigorous attention to data privacy underpins the entire system architecture. Behavioural inputs are processed exclusively through privacy-preserving computation and anonymisation techniques, ensuring that enhanced responsiveness is achieved without exposure of individual-level data. In doing so, SUSTAIN contributes a replicable model for ethically grounded, human-aware smart infrastructure.

Patents & Technology Transfer

Yildiz Technical University continues to foster innovation and translational research, with its faculty and researchers actively developing patented technologies that address real-world challenges in medicine and beyond.

In some surgical procedures, under the current state of practice, the precise inflation and deflation of delicate tissue is primarily performed manually using a simple syringe. This relies on the operator's skill. In such manual operations, applying high pressure during inflation and negative pressure during deflation can damage the tissue, while inflating at insufficient pressure increases the risk of the surgical procedure not achieving its purpose. The difference between this invention, the "Pressure and Image Feedback Syringe Pump" system, and existing manually operated devices is that it utilizes a servo motor-driven syringe pump with an endoscopy camera and pressure sensor feedback controller structure, enabling precise tissue inflation and deflation. Furthermore, thanks to the pressure sensor and an endoscopy camera, the course of the surgical intervention can be monitored in real-time on the screen, allowing for safer management of the surgical process. This will enable optimal and error-free tissue inflation and deflation before surgery (e.g., in vocal cord surgeries), thus minimizing associated risks in the relevant surgical procedures.

Extending beyond healthcare applications, YTU’s innovation ecosystem also addresses challenges in industrial safety, as demonstrated by the following technology developed within its technopark environment. Metadiag, a technology company operating at YTU Technopark, has developed the patented invention titled “A Safety and Analysis System and Method for Dump Trucks”, introducing an intelligent safety solution designed to reduce rollover risks and improve operational safety in dump truck operations.

The system uses advanced sensor technologies to continuously monitor critical parameters such as tilt angle, vehicle speed, location, load cover status, dump body position, and in-vehicle CANBUS data. By analyzing these inputs in real time, it detects potentially hazardous conditions before they turn into accidents. In critical situations, the system can automatically activate driver warnings and safety interventions, including preventing unsafe dump body lifting, lowering the dump body when risk is detected, and supporting engine protection functions.

With its sensor-based architecture, black box data recording capability, and machine learning–supported analytics, the system not only helps prevent accidents but also provides valuable operational insights for fleet safety, maintenance planning, and performance optimization. Designed for construction, excavation, mining, and heavy-duty field operations, the solution contributes to safer worksites, reduced human-error-related risks, and more reliable fleet operations.

By combining real-time risk detection, automated intervention, and data-driven analysis, Metadiag’s patented dump truck safety system represents an important step toward smarter, safer, and more efficient heavy vehicle operations.

International Events & Conferences

Yildiz Technical University continues to strengthen its position as a leading hub for international scientific exchange, hosting two major conferences this spring that bring together researchers and professionals from around the globe.

The International Conference on Energy Systems (ICES 2026) kicks off on May 3, 2026 at Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye, running through May 6. This international conference brings together researchers, scientists, engineers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and share the latest advances in energy technologies, systems, and applications.

ICES 2026 focuses on a broad spectrum of topics in energy systems, including sustainable and renewable energy technologies, energy conversion, storage, and efficiency, smart and resilient energy infrastructure, and emerging challenges and innovations in energy research.

Selected high-quality papers presented at the conference will be considered for publication in reputable journals such as International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Energy Storage, following extended peer review.

The university's role as an international scientific venue continues later in the month, as Yildiz Technical University's Davutpaşa Campus welcomes the 7^th International Applied Statistics Congress (UYIK-2026, from the Turkish Uygulamalı İstatistik Kongresi), to be held from May 11–13, 2026. Centered around the theme “Reliability and Verifiability in Artificial Intelligence: The Role of Statistics,” the congress aims to explore critical solutions to modern data science challenges through a statistical lens. Organized under the auspices of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University in collaboration with TurkStat and the Turkish Statistical Association, this hybrid event will bring together academics, researchers, and industry professionals from across the globe in the historic atmosphere of Istanbul.

Covering a broad spectrum of applied statistics — from data-driven decision-making to the verification of AI algorithms — the congress offers participants the opportunity to keep pace with theoretical innovations and establish interdisciplinary networks. Sessions will be conducted in both English and Turkish. Offering flexibility through both in-person and online participation options, UYIK-2026 invites all stakeholders who wish to shape the future of statistical science and share global developments to join this scientific gathering.

Yıldız Technical University continues to expand its global research footprint through strategic international collaborations that address some of today’s most pressing technological and societal challenges. As a partner in the SADIT-MAR (Safe Digital Transformation in the Maritime Industry) initiative, supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Yıldız Technical University contributes to advancing a safer, more resilient, and inclusive digital transformation in the maritime sector.

Through interdisciplinary research, international conferences, workshops, and training programmes, the network will address key challenges related to maritime safety, cyber resilience, autonomous systems, and digital risk management. Running from September 2025 to August 2027, the project aims to strengthen global collaboration and develop knowledge frameworks to support a safer, more resilient digital maritime ecosystem.

Extending this global engagement into the field of sustainable energy, Yıldız Technical University also takes a leading role in European research and innovation initiatives. The ECHO project “ Energy Communities Excellence Hubs: Catalyzing Energy Innovation Ecosystems” funded under Horizon Europe with a budget of approximately €5 million and coordinated by Yıldız Technical University, introduces a comprehensive approach to the energy transition by addressing not only technological challenges but also social, economic, and governance dimensions. The project aims to establish Excellence Hubs in Türkiye, Greece, and Portugal to strengthen energy communities and foster sustainable, inclusive, and scalable local energy ecosystems.

The project places strong emphasis on capacity building and stakeholder empowerment. Through targeted training programmes, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities, ECHO equips municipalities, cooperatives, SMEs, and citizens with the skills and tools needed to actively participate in the energy transition, while also fostering a culture of collaboration and participatory governance.

ECHO-TR operates as a coordination and innovation platform addressing key challenges in Türkiye, including regulatory gaps, limited technical capacity, financial barriers, and low awareness. By combining evidence-based policymaking with bottom-up engagement and real-life pilot actions, ECHO-TR enables local actors to become active designers and beneficiaries of the energy transition.

Patents & Technology Transfer

Advancing from fundamental research to real-world applications, Yıldız Technical University continues to strengthen its impact through high-value patents and innovative technology transfer initiatives. By bridging cutting-edge science with industrial and societal needs, these developments not only contribute to global scientific progress but also pave the way for next-generation solutions across diverse fields—from photonics and advanced materials to nanomedicine and targeted therapeutics.

The invention titled “Electronically Controlled Dielectric Huygens Resonator Spatial Light Modulator” has been filed for patent registration in Turkey. This invention introduces an innovative device design that enables precise electronic control over the spatial properties of light.

At the core of the invention lie specially designed Huygens resonators made from dielectric materials. These resonators can simultaneously manipulate both the electric and magnetic components of light. Offering a more efficient, compact structure than conventional light modulators, this technology holds significant potential for applications in advanced imaging systems, optical communications, holography, and laser technologies.

Building on this advancement in light-based technologies, the next study reflects YTU’s work in nanotechnology, focusing on innovative approaches to cancer treatment. In the patented study titled “Photochemically Prepared Monodisperse Gold Nanoparticles as Doxorubicin Carrier and its Cytotoxicity on Leukemia Cancer Cells”, a novel thioxanthone derivative, 3,3′-disulfanediylbis(1-hydroxy-9H-thioxanthen-9-one) ([OH-TX-S-]₂), was employed as an in situ photochemical reducing agent for the synthesis of monodisperse gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The successful formation of AuNPs was initially confirmed by the appearance of a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 535 nm, accompanied by a distinct pink coloration. The particle size distribution of the synthesized AuNPs was further analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), yielding an average particle size of approximately 30 nm and a relatively narrow polydispersity index, consistent with the observed SPR band.

Following nanoparticle formation, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOXO) was loaded onto the AuNPs at varying concentrations. The adsorption and release profiles of DOXO were quantitatively evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy using a previously established calibration curve. The cytotoxic activity of DOXO-loaded AuNPs was investigated via MTT assays on HL-60 and K562 leukemia cell lines. The results demonstrated that treatment with 5 µL of DOXO-loaded AuNPs resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability, indicating the potential of this system as an effective drug-delivery platform.

International Events & Conferences

Yıldız Technical University continues to strengthen its international research presence by hosting and contributing to major global conferences across engineering, architecture, and interdisciplinary sciences. In 2026, the university will be involved in two prominent international events that bring together leading researchers and industry experts from around the world.

The 11^th International Conference on Ships and Offshore Structures (ICSOS 2026) will be hosted by Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 4–7 October 2026. The conference will bring together researchers and industry experts working on ships, offshore structures, and maritime technologies.

ICSOS 2026 will provide an international platform to discuss advances in ship design, offshore engineering, marine hydrodynamics, renewable energy technologies, and digital maritime systems, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, and autonomous vessels. Selected high-quality papers will be promoted to special issues of the Journal of Ships and Offshore Structures (Taylor & Francis) and the Seatific Journal, offering participants a fast-track publication opportunity.

In addition to hosting major conferences, Yıldız Technical University also contributes to leading international scientific events through academic collaboration and partnerships. The 16^th Constructal Law Conference (CLC2026) will take place 12–15 October 2026 at the Paris-Malaquais School of Architecture – PSL University in Paris, France, in collaboration with Yıldız Technical University. The conference marks the 30th anniversary of Constructal Law, the scientific principle that explains how natural and human-made flow systems evolve to facilitate easier access to flows of energy, materials, and information.

Under the theme “Design in Nature: The Evolution of Designs”, the conference will bring together researchers and practitioners from diverse fields—including engineering, biology, architecture, urban planning, economics, and the arts—to explore the evolution of natural and designed systems. The event will highlight interdisciplinary perspectives on flow structures in nature, sustainable design, urban systems, energy and economic networks, and the relationship between science, technology, and culture.

We warmly invite researchers, institutions, and industry partners worldwide to connect with YTU for collaborative opportunities.

Featured Research Projects

At Yildiz Technical University, research is not only an academic pursuit but also a catalyst for sustainable transformation and global collaboration. Through internationally funded projects and strategic partnerships, YTU continues to generate high-impact solutions addressing energy transition, climate resilience, advanced technologies, and sustainable development.

ECO-SPHERE – Circular Economy for the Sustainable Earth Spheres: Geosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere & Atmosphere is a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programme dedicated to advancing circular economy and sustainable product design. Coordinated in part by Yildiz Technical University, it offers 24 postdoctoral fellowships of 24 months across key sustainability research areas, including eco-design, energy, water and wastewater management, material recovery, climate policy, business models, and waste management.

ECO-SPHERE aims to strengthen Europe’s expert capacity in circular economy research while supporting the European Green Deal, the UN SDGs, and the Paris Agreement. The programme targets resource- and energy-intensive sectors such as electronics, automotive, plastics, construction, food, water, and energy. With a human-centric perspective, it promotes solutions that integrate People, Planet, and Profit, empowering consumers and cities to benefit from circular transformation.

Beyond this programme, YTU is also actively involved in innovative Horizon Europe projects focused on sustainability and clean energy solutions. PV4Plants (AgriPV system with climate, water, and light spectrum control for safe, healthier, and improved crops production) is an ambitious Horizon Europe initiative focused on agrivoltaics, the simultaneous use of land for renewable energy generation and high-quality agricultural production. With contributions from Yildiz Technical University, the project develops and demonstrates adaptable photovoltaic systems that optimize light transmission and crop-growing conditions while generating clean energy.

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Its innovations include luminescent glass colour converters designed as spectral-conversion layers that simultaneously support crop growth and photovoltaic performance, multi-indicator real-time monitoring systems, and highly replicable demonstration sites in Türkiye, Spain, and Denmark.

The project also emphasizes recyclability, sustainability standards, and policy recommendations to accelerate the adoption of agrivoltaic technologies across diverse climates and agricultural contexts.

Patents & Technology Transfer

Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, innovation, and technology transfer, YTU advances globally relevant solutions by transforming scientific excellence into high-value patented technologies. The patented invention, “A Drug for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer,” developed at YTU, introduces an indium (III) phthalocyanine–based anticancer compound designed for photodynamic therapy. When activated by light, the compound selectively triggers cell death in cervical cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Positioned within pharmaceutical technology, biomedical science, and medical chemistry, this innovation offers a more targeted and potentially lower–side-effect alternative to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Its compatibility with photodynamic therapy enables precise cancer cell targeting, presenting a promising and effective treatment pathway for cervical cancer.

Complementing its progress in precision oncology, YTU further reinforces its leadership in biomedical innovation through advanced biofabrication technologies designed for personalized and minimally invasive therapeutic applications.

The patented invention titled “Production of Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery by Dynamic Light Processing,” developed under the direction of Prof. Dr. Cem Bülent Üstündağ at YTU, introduces a high-precision, mold-free DLP 3D printing platform for biodegradable hydrogel microneedle patches. Originating from the TymPatch project, the technology enables personalized GelMA/KerMA-based patches designed for the non-surgical treatment of acute and chronic eardrum perforations.

Loaded with therapeutic agents via electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA), the biofunctional and biodegradable patch integrates seamlessly with the tympanic membrane, eliminating the need for a secondary surgical intervention. This minimally invasive and scalable innovation represents a significant step forward in personalized medicine and targeted drug delivery.

International Events & Conferences

In the coming days, YTU will host two important international congresses, welcoming researchers and professionals from around the world to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaboratively shape the future of energy and sustainable food systems.

International Conference on Energy Systems, ICES 2026 will be held from May 3–6, 2026 at Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye. This premier international forum brings together researchers, scientists, engineers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and share the latest advances in energy technologies, systems, and applications.

ICES 2026 focuses on a broad spectrum of topics in energy systems, including but not limited to:

• Sustainable and renewable energy technologies

• Energy conversion, storage, and efficiency

• Smart and resilient energy infrastructure

• Emerging challenges and innovations in energy research

Selected high-quality papers presented at the conference will be considered for publication in reputable journals such as International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and Energy Storage following extended peer review.

The International Food Innovation and Sustainability Congress (IFIS 2026) is a major interdisciplinary event hosted by the Yildiz Technical University Department of Food Engineering, taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye on 7–9 May 2026. It brings together researchers, industry professionals, students, and policymakers to address key advances in food science, sustainability, and technology.

IFIS fosters multidisciplinary exchange across topics such as food innovation, sustainable food systems, safety and processing technologies, biotechnology, digitalisation, AI applications, sustainable packaging, nutritional innovation, and life cycle analysis. The congress emphasizes real-world impact and industry–university collaboration through presentations, networking sessions, and visibility opportunities for emerging researchers.